TAIPEI: A crematorium plans to use exhaust from its ovens to power its air-conditioning system, officials said yesterday, in a move critics blasted as insensitive to mourning relatives.

The Taipei Mortuary Services Office has invested 7.7 million Taiwan dollars ($240,000) on technology that recycles exhaust from cremations, converting it into electricity, deputy director Yang Yi-lin told AFP.

The agency plans to use the electricity in a new air-conditioning system in the second-floor rest area of the crematorium, located in suburban Taipei, but some worry that it would upset families of the deceased.

"It's creepy that the mourners are cooled by air-conditioning powered by the bodies of their relatives being burnt downstairs," Taipei City Councilor Chuang Ruei-hsiung was quoted by the Central News Agency as saying.

"I think this is unethical and disrespects the dead and their families," said Liu Tung-po, 60, while waiting for a relative to be cremated.

A 42-year-old man, who asked not to be named, supported the plan, saying "it can generate clean energy to better protect the environment."

The crematorium will not abort the project, but will consider using the electricity for other facilities, such as the lighting system, according to Yang.

"We recycle the exhaust to reduce air pollution and protect the environment. But we will also take the relatives' feelings into account," she said.

Environmental-conscious Taiwan passed a major renewable energy bill this year as part of plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to 2008 levels by 2016, and to 2000 levels by 2025.

In another environment-related development, the Environmental Protection Bureau in central Taichung City said it is offering a gift voucher of 100 Taiwan dollars (three dollars) for one kilogram (two pounds) of dog excrement.

To collect vouchers, citizens must haul the canine droppings and other garbage to specified locations, the bureau said.

"We hope the people will help clean up and conserve the environment so we can have a clean city by offering the rewards," it said in a statement.

The bureau is also giving vouchers for picking up plastic, paper and Styrofoam cups as well as plastic bags.

AFP

(HK Edition 10/08/2009 page2)